Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lucky Irabor, says some political actors in Nigeria are involved in terrorism financing and exploit the nation’s insecurity for personal and political advantage.
Irabor made the disclosure on Monday during a television appearance, shortly after Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, announced that the federal government would soon reveal the identities of terrorism sponsors.
Bwala had said the government was taking “far-reaching decisions” and that the results would soon become evident, stressing global cooperation in tackling terrorism.
Responding to a direct question on whether politicians fund terror networks, Irabor answered: “some politicians”. He said certain party chieftains intentionally take advantage of insecurity to project themselves as better alternatives.
“Some politicians have taken advantage of the state of under-governance, as it were, to gain leverage and give the impression that they can do better,” he said. “Others instigate crises to score political points that there is poor governance.”
Irabor also addressed the criticism surrounding the federal government’s decision not to publish the names of alleged terror financiers. He said many individuals have been questioned and some trials conducted, but the information remains classified.
“When I was CDS, there were some trials, especially for the financiers. It’s not for public consumption,” he said. “What we should do is support and trust those with the responsibility to act.”
He urged Nigerians to understand that “not everybody in government is a liar or unserious”.
The retired general noted that Nigeria continues to face manpower and equipment gaps, warning that the recent surge in attacks reflects long-standing trends rather than a new development. He said criminal groups have acquired more sophisticated weapons, intensifying the scale of violence.
Irabor stressed that Nigeria must urgently address operational weaknesses to stem the deepening security crisis.
Recent Rise in Attacks
Northern Nigeria has recorded a surge in kidnappings and killings in recent weeks, including high-profile assaults on schools. In November, ISWAP fighters ambushed a military convoy in Borno, capturing and killing Brigadier General M. Uba.
States such as Zamfara, Sokoto and Yobe have also witnessed abductions and killings. Over 200 schoolchildren were kidnapped in Niger and Kebbi states, while 38 worshippers were abducted during a live-streamed church service in Kwara.
While several of the abducted victims—including 24 Kebbi schoolgirls and the 38 Kwara worshippers—have regained freedom, many others, including more than 250 students, remain in captivity.